Abstract: Techniques are provided for improved fault isolation and fault reduction. A system for use with a data network includes multiple diagnostic units each adapted to communicate with the network including to a network user. A central controller is operatively connected to the diagnostic units, the controller being adapted to communicate with and coordinate operations of the diagnostic units, to instruct the diagnostic units to perform tests adapted to help isolate a network fault, and to analyze test results received from a diagnostic unit to attempt to determine the network fault. Various methods for improving fault isolation and fault reduction are also provided.

Abstract: A policy engine generates configlets that are vendor-neutral, vendor-specific or both, based on a selected target level and a selected device/device group. A translator translates and combines the configlets to form vendor-dependent configuration files. The policy engine generates the configlets using policies associated with the selected target level and its sub-target levels, as defined by a target level hierarchy. A policy includes at least a condition, and an action which the policy engine performs if the condition is true. In performing the action, the policy engine typically writes to at least a partial configlet. A policy may further include a verification clause, which is used to verify a running configuration. Policy dependencies may also be defined such that where a second policy is dependent on a first policy, the second policy must be evaluated after the first policy. This is necessary, where, for example, the first policy generates and stores a value to be used by the second policy.

Abstract: A diagnostic unit which detects instances of misconfiguration of a subscriber's PC is presented. Many problems experienced by PC subscribers attempting to access a network are related to misconfiguration of the subscriber's PC. The diagnostic unit is able to communicate with the subscriber's misconfigured PC through Fault Tolerant Protocol stacks. The diagnostic unit emulates services such as log-in, authentication, e-mail and the Internet to the subscriber. The diagnostic unit examines the traffic sent by the subscriber to detect instances of misconfiguration and reports the detected configuration of the subscriber's PC.